Indonesia arrests Chinese man wanted for money laundering

(CLO) Indonesian authorities have arrested Yan Zhenxing, a Chinese citizen and Singaporean permanent resident, wanted by Beijing authorities in connection with money laundering worth nearly $18 million from an illegal online gambling group in China.

Yan Zhenxing was arrested on Monday (December 2) at a ferry terminal in Batam, where he was visiting with his family for the holidays. The arrest came after Interpol issued a red notice, which requires international law enforcement agencies to arrest or detain a suspect at the request of a specific country.

Indonesian immigration officials hold Chinese national Yan Zhenxing during a press conference in Jakarta, Dec. 5, 2024. Photo: AP/Achmad Ibrahim

At a press conference in Jakarta, Yuldi Yusman, Director of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement, said Yan was accused by the police of the Inner Mongolia region (China) of participating in transferring and laundering more than 130 million yuan ($17.9 million) for an online gambling group.

Yan was handed over to the Indonesian National Interpol Central Bureau in Jakarta on Thursday, and is now awaiting a decision on deportation or extradition to China.

Indonesia has become a haven for many international criminals due to its strategic geographical location. In recent months, authorities have continuously arrested foreign criminals hiding in the country.

In October 2024, a Chinese suspect was arrested in Bali for running investment scams worth more than $14 billion from clients in China. In November 2024, Hector Aldwin Pantollana, a Filipino suspect, was arrested in Bali for his involvement in a scam of more than $67 million from victims in the Philippines.

In September 2024, Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor accused of having links to Chinese criminal organizations, was arrested near Jakarta and deported to the Philippines. In June 2024, Chaowalit Thongduang, one of Thailand's most wanted criminals, was arrested in Bali after months on the run for his involvement in murders and drug trafficking.

"We are committed to protecting Indonesian territory from foreigners who do not bring benefits and threaten national stability," Mr. Yusman affirmed.

Increased coordination with Interpol and international law enforcement agencies is helping Indonesia more effectively handle transnational crimes while protecting its interests and security.

Hong Hanh (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/indonesia-bat-mot-nguoi-trung-quoc-bi-interpol-truy-na-vi-rua-tien-co-bac-truc-tuyen-post324354.html